Benign rolandic epilepsy is a form of epilepsy very common in children. As the name implies, it is not dangerous; it usually resolves on its own within five years of onset and rarely causes permanent injuries unless a child happens to have a seizure in the wrong place at the wrong time. No treatments are available for this condition, other than providing support during seizures to prevent children from injuring themselves.
This form of epilepsy can be seen in both girls and boys, onsetting between three and 13 years of age. Benign rolandic epilepsy starts with simple partial seizures originating around the Rolandic fissure, a region of the brain near the areas that control facial movement. Initial seizures may cause drooling, poor facial control, and other facial symptoms. Eventually, they can turn into generalized tonic-clonic seizures, where the patient experiences jerking and convulsions.
Children with benign rolandic epilepsy, also known as benign partial epilepsy of childhood, commonly experience seizures during sleep. They and their parents may be unaware of the epilepsy unless someone happens to check in while a child is sleeping and notice seizure activity. Children may also not recognize symptoms like numbness and tingling in the face as seizures, and thus not bother telling their parents about them.
If seizure activity is noticed in a child, an evaluation by a neurologist can determine the type of epilepsy involved. In the case of benign rolandic epilepsy, the neurologist will be able to use an electroencephalogram (EEG) to locate the area in the brain where the seizures are starting and this information can be used to generate a diagnosis. The recommendation is usually no treatment, although parents may be advised to take some steps like putting rugs around the bed for a soft landing in case the child falls out of bed during a seizure.
It can be helpful for teachers and fellow parents to know about the seizure syndrome in case a child with benign rolandic epilepsy experiences a seizure while away from home. Children should not be restrained during seizures, although if any obvious dangers present themselves, either the child or the danger should be moved. For example, a child who appears to be about to wander and fall during a seizure should be gently guided away. It is important for people who might be providing care to know that objects should not be placed in the child's mouth during a seizure and that the child may be confused or disoriented afterward.
